“I am not here on honeymoon”- declares Tusker striker with a point to prove

Photo Credit: Tusker FC

FKF PL “I am not here on honeymoon”- declares Tusker striker with a point to prove

Mark Kinyanjui 06:00 - 10.05.2023

Mike Oduor was the hero once again, as his lone strike against Homeboyz was enough to give Tusker all the three points just nearly a fortnight after scoring a goal-of-the-season contender against former employers, KCB

Mike Oduor wears a a smile from ear to ear after giving Tusker a huge helping hand in hard fought victory over Kakamega Homeboyz. His feat on Sunday was a second successive match winning contribution from the 27 year-old who only in January decamped from KCB without fanfare.

The Tusker supporters sitting on the stands are quick to serenade him and chant his name. He has established himself as a favorite already, having netted two goals and registered an assist since signing for the club at the end of March.

Of his two goals, the first one is most likely the goal of the season already against his former club KCB. He received a pass on the edge of the area and cut inside off the left flank before unleashing an unstoppable strike past Bryne Omondi at a water-logged Ruaraka pitch in late April.

The second goal was also a strike from distance, but with the help of an unfortunate fumble by Homeboyz custodian Farouk Shikalo.

After a cheeky laugh and joke between the two of us on the goal , he tells me that he actually meant to score, but admits it was a bit “luckier”than the first one.

“ I meant to shoot the ball and score, I am serious! Even in training, I always score goals like that. I did not shoot the ball the way I wanted to shoot it, but the idea was there.”

Under head coach, Robert Matano, the Brewers have been known to be a cautious team reminiscent of the classic Jose Mourinho sides that would absorb the pressure in compact shape before hitting on the counter attack and scoring one goal, or even taking advantage of the few opportunities created.

The former Kariobangi Sharks winger admits it was not easy getting the win, but insists the three points are all that mattered, and is quick to thank the almighty for his “intervention”

“The game was not easy. We are grateful for the three points first of all,” We worked on the win and God gave us our results in the end,” he added.

Oduor told Tusker’s club website when he joined that he wanted to score as many goals and assists as possible and help his side win the title at the end of the season.

However, it has not been plain-sailing, as Gor Mahia have made the league as competitive as possible and currently lead them by two points. Oduor is treating every match “like a final” with a burning desire to win.

“When I came to this club, I had specific targets that I set and I aim to achieve those targets before the season ends.”

“We are focusing on our games and taking it one game at a time. We are not giving ourselves any pressure, but every game is a final for us.”

There is usually a sense of family within the Tusker FC dressing room with players clearly getting along with each other well, and Oduor insists that has been a key reason behind his quick start to life with the 12-time champions.

“I feel at home here in Ruaraka. I am being given the freedom to express myself, but in a way that will help the team.”

“We will not stop until we achieve what brought us here. I did not come here on my honeymoon. The most important thing is to help the team win. If we can win this league and win the cup as well — all a double double —, we will have achieved our dreams.”

Tusker will play Kariobangi Sharks before facing Gor Mahia in a potentially title-deciding match in the coming days.